UCLS Tag Integrating Sensors for Device Usage and Condition Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time location systems (RTLS) fail to provide contextual information such as usage state and operating condition of devices, limiting their ability to optimize equipment usage, maintenance, and extend equipment lifetimes.
Innovation Solution
The Usage, Condition and Location System (UCLS) tag, which includes sensors to measure physical activity and algorithms to determine the usage state and operating condition of devices, providing location, usage state, and condition information through wireless transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional RTLS tags are used for location tracking, then location monitoring is achieved, but contextual information about usage state and operating condition is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) into a single integrated tag unit. This merging of functions allows the tag to simultaneously provide location tracking and contextual information about device usage state and operating condition, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tag is designed as a multi-functional device that performs location monitoring, usage state detection, and operating condition assessment. By making the tag universal and capable of multiple functions, the system eliminates the need for separate sensors and devices, thereby providing comprehensive contextual information without proportionally increasing complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to the tag to measure physical activity, then usage state and operating condition determination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated tag unit, allowing accurate measurement of physical activity, temperature, humidity, and magnetic field conditions. This consolidation improves measurement precision while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The tag autonomously processes sensor data to determine usage state and operating condition without requiring external analysis systems. The embedded processor analyzes accelerometer, magnetometer, temperature, and humidity data locally, enabling the tag to self-determine device state and transmit only relevant information, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing system complexity
3Measurement precision
If the tag continuously monitors device status, then accurate usage and condition information is obtained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tag employs periodic monitoring instead of continuous monitoring, where sensors are activated at scheduled intervals to collect usage and condition data. This periodic action maintains measurement precision by regularly updating device state information while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The tag autonomously determines when monitoring is necessary by analyzing incoming sensor data in real-time. The embedded processor evaluates whether device state changes warrant data transmission, enabling the tag to maintain accurate usage and condition information while consuming minimal energy by transmitting only when relevant changes occur
4Loss of time
If sensor data is processed locally to determine usage state, then response time is reduced, but processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tag includes an embedded processor that autonomously analyzes sensor data to determine usage state and operating condition without requiring external processing. This self-service capability reduces data processing time by making decisions locally at the tag level, while the processing complexity is managed through dedicated embedded logic rather than requiring complex external systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient device workflows, usage-based and condition-based maintenance, and extended equipment lifetimes by accurately tracking device usage and condition, reducing unnecessary equipment and optimizing resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer or a connection to an external magnetometer configured to provide a measurement of magnetic field activity emanating from electronics contained within a host device
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer configured to provide an acceleration measurement of the host device
Implementation Method 3
a contactless temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement of the host device or of a user of the host device
Implementation Method 4
a force sensor configured to provide a weight measurement of a user of the host device
Data Source
AI summary
A Usage, Condition and Location System (UCLS) tag is provided, which is an active RFID tag that, in addition to location, is configured to determine the usage state and operating condition of a device. The UCLS tag includes sensors that measure physical activity of the associated equipment (vibration, magnetic activity, temperature, etc.). Algorithms may use the information obtained from the UCLS tags to map the measured sensor data to a contextual usage state and operating condition of the device.